Playwise
Inspection report for early years provision
Unique Reference Number
EY277067
Inspection date
12 October 2007
Inspector
Freeda Wildon
Setting Address
Artwise Youth and Community Centre, St Luke's Avenue, Ramsgate,
Kent, CT11 7HS
Telephone number
07979 550802
E-mail
Registered person
Martine Janet Newton
Type of inspection
Childcare
Type of care
Full day care, Out of School care
This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care
Standards Act 2000
ABOUT THIS INSPECTION
The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality
of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part
XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education
is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998.
This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the
inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for
children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and
childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the
foundation stage.
The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted
has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.
The key inspection judgements and what they mean
Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality
Good: this aspect of the provision is strong
Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound
Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough
For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for
your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.
THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE
On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:
The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National
Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.
WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?
Playwise Out-of-school Club is a privately run setting. It opened in 2003 and operates from
rooms in the Artwise youth and community centre in Ramsgate, Kent. A maximum of 24 children
may attend the club at any one time. The club opens Monday to Friday from 15:00 to 18:00
during term-time and from 08:30 to 18:00 during the holidays. Children attend for a variety of
sessions. Children who attend the after school club are collected from local schools.
There are currently 54 children aged from four to under seven years on roll. The setting supports
children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and also supports children who speak
English as an additional language.
The setting employs three staff, all hold appropriate early years qualifications. The club receives
support from the Local Authority.
This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care
Standards Act 2000
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PROVISION
Helping children to be healthy
The provision is satisfactory.
The premises are cleaned to a satisfactory standard. Children learn about good hygiene practices
through the daily routine, staff give gentle reminders to wash hands before eating. Staff clean
the tables before they are used for eating. There is a sick child policy, it is made clear to parents
the exclusion period for infectious illnesses protecting other children's health. Children choose
from a selection of healthy and nutritious snacks, for example, different fruits, salad items and
warm snacks. Children attending the holiday play scheme make pizza. This helps make healthy
lifestyle choices. A jug of water is available for children to cool their bodies after physical
activities.
Accessible first aid kits, appropriately trained first aid staff, medication and accident records
enable staff to act in the best interest of children if they become ill or an accident occurs.
However, accidents and medication records are not recorded in line with guidance. Children
attending the holiday play scheme have lots of opportunities for physical exercise; they go on
regular outings to the beach, quiz trails and swimming. All children have the opportunity for
vigorous exercise indoors. They clearly enjoy being active in the gym playing ball games. These
activities keep children healthy.
Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe
The provision is satisfactory.
Effective procedures are in place for the safe collection of children from schools to the after
school club. In addition procedures for outings ensures that the holiday play scheme children
are safe when they are away from the setting. Children wear high visibility jackets to keep them
safe when they walk from schools to the setting. The environment is organised so that children
can move freely and safely within rooms in the setting. Children are protected because an
intercom system ensures that unwanted visitors do not enter the premises. However, visitors
are not always recorded. Staff ensure that the premises and equipment are safe for children
by doing regular checks.
Fire equipment is accessible and appropriately maintained by the centre. Fire drills are carried
out periodically and cross-referenced with the attendance register to ensure all children have
the opportunity to practise evacuating the premises in an emergency. Most of the staff have
sound knowledge of child protection and are able to safeguard children's welfare but a few
staff are less secure in their knowledge. The child protection policy has not been up-dated to
reflect current changes.
Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do
The provision is good.
The environment is prepared before children arrive in accordance with the plans enabling them
to play as soon as they arrive. Children know what other toys are available from the cupboard
because they are involved in the purchasing of the toys and equipment. Children play happily
and generally relate well to one another and the staff. Children are confident, they talk freely
to their friends, to staff and to visitors. They are learning to share and take turns because staff
praise and encourage the children. Children complement each other as they build and construct.
Consequently children are building positive relationships and developing self-esteem.
This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care
Standards Act 2000
Children are free to be active or play quietly with their friends. The registered person has bought
new equipment so that a quiet corner can be partitioned off for children to play quietly. As yet
this is not fully operational for children to relax. Children are able to do their home work if they
wish to do so.
The children are having a lovely time with their friends because they have access to a wide
range of activities. Plans show that the children attending the holiday play scheme take part
in a variety of outings. For example, swimming and outings to the beach where they go crabbing
and create sand sculpture. All of the children have access to art and craft, music and physical
activities. They are able to be creative making puppets for puppet theatre, making key rings
and painting nails. Some children play chess, others enjoy computer games. Children are occupied
and say that they enjoy their time at the setting.
Helping children make a positive contribution
The provision is satisfactory.
Children are happy and settled at the setting because staff find out about their likes and dislikes
and they are able to make their needs known to staff. Children learn about the local community
through outings, visits to the park, zoo and quiz trails where children collect objects and facts
about the community. They learn about the wider world by celebrating festivals around the
world. As yet children do not have access to resources to help children learn more about
disabilities. All are welcome to the setting; with some adjustments the premises can be suitable
for disabled access.
Children are generally well behaved because most of the staff manage children's behaviour in
a positive way; they use distraction and explanation to help children learn about right and
wrong. Children know about the club rules, for example, sharing and taking turns. Some staff
are skilful at managing behaviour calmly. However, this is not consistent and at times a few
staff use negative language.
Parents said that they are happy with the care provided for their children. They are greeted
warmly by staff. Parents are given verbal daily feedback about their child's care and welfare.
They have access to the operational plan which includes the policies and the complaints
procedures. Although a log is prepared to record complaints staff are not yet familiar with the
new complaints procedure and does not reflect the required regulation. As a result , parents
are not given up to date information about complaints. Other information about the setting is
displayed on the notice board. Permissions are in place from parents for emergency medical
treatment or advice, for outings and for school collection.
Organisation
The organisation is satisfactory.
The provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides. The daily routine
is organised and includes outings, quiet times, active times and times for children to eat and
drink. As a result, children are happy and settled. Children are able to move freely and safely
between the rooms in the setting. The registration certificate is displayed to inform visitors
and parents and the attendance register confirms that the provider complies with the conditions
of registration.
Procedures are in place to ensure that adults working at the setting are suitable and have
appropriate qualifications to work with school aged children. Staff are not familiar with some
This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care
Standards Act 2000
of the new procedures and policies. Documentation for the safe and effective management of
the setting and for the welfare and care of children is maintained. However, the attendance
record is not always accurate in recording times of arrival of the children and of the staff. Not
all accidents are acknowledged by parents and a few records are recorded in pencil.
Improvements since the last inspection
At the last inspection three recommendations were made that relate to Standard 3; Enjoying
and Achieving. The registered person was asked to provide a quiet area; opportunities for
children to self-select and take some responsibilities for the running of the club by involving
them in the planning of activities and making club rules. The provider has made satisfactory
progress and from this inspection a recommendation has been made to continue to develop a
comfortable area for children to relax. The outcome for enjoying achieving from this inspection
is good.
Complaints since the last inspection
Since the last inspection Ofsted received one complaint relating to standard 3, Enjoying and
Achieving; that inappropriate activities were being planned for the children. Ofsted investigated
the complaint by asking the provider to complete an internal investigation. The provider
completed an internal investigation and has made changes to how activities are planned.
Parents/carers are also now informed in advance of planned activities and have the opportunity
to discuss activities with the provider. Ofsted has completed its investigation and will be taking
no further action. The provider remains qualified for registration.
The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see
on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.
THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE
On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:
The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National
Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.
WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?
The quality and standards of the care
To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account
of the following recommendation(s):
• develop knowledge and understanding of procedures for administering medication
• continue to develop policies, procedures and staff knowledge and understanding of
issues relating to child protection
• continue to develop a comfortable area for children to relax
• ensure that the behaviour management strategies are consistently applied
• develop staff knowledge and understanding of the complaints regulation and up date
the complaints procedure to reflect the regulation and share with parents
This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care
Standards Act 2000
• ensure that the record of children's and staff attendance is correct and that all accidents
are acknowledged by parents.
Any complaints about the inspection or the report should be made following the procedures
set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's
role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) which is available
from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk
This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care
Standards Act 2000